Thursday, April 15, 2010

The NYR Facts Of Life: #6 Wade Redden

For each player who suited up in a Blueshirt this season we will take the good, we will take the bad and take them both and see what we have. Today we look at everyone's favourite $8 million man, #6: defenseman Wade Redden.

#6's #s: 75 games, 2 goals, 12 assists, +8, 27 PIM.

Take the good: Wade made eight mil this year but only $6.5 was on the cap, so that's good. But seriously, at the end of the season Redden proved that he was an almost-capable third pairing defenseman; he minimized mistakes by keeping his game simple and playing as far away from the puck as he could. Prior to that he showed he had a bit of a backbone by arguing with Tortorella when Torts sent him to the press box but that emotion never translated to his play on the ice.

Take the bad: Redden's former partner in Ottawa Zdeno Chara made half a mil less this year and he is a Norris Trophy winner. Redden? The only hardware he could win is the Lady Byng because he is so soft. Then again, he showed off just how tough he was by beating up a soft frenchman on Montreal in Benoit Pouliot - not exactly Georges Laraque. When paired with Girardi or Gilroy, he visibly set back the youngsters' development as they often had to cover for him and scramble back once his much vaunted 'first pass out of the zone' went directly to an opposing player.

Take them both and then we have: To steal one of my own lines, he is a "highly paid albatross who damns this team to sail the seas of mediocrity." An utter waste of salary cap space, Redden has already made the top five in every list of the worst free agent signings in hockey history ... and he has four more years left on his deal.



 "The NYR Facts Of Life: #6 Wade Redden - A Blue Line Enigma"



Throughout the history of the New York Rangers, the blue line has been graced by the presence of many talented defensemen. Wade Redden, who donned the #6 jersey, was one such player. However, his tenure with the Blueshirts was marked by highs and lows, leaving fans with a complex legacy to ponder. In this article, we will delve into the life and career of Wade Redden, exploring the intricacies of his time with the Rangers, the expectations that came with his arrival, and the frequently asked questions that surround his enigmatic tenure.

Chapter 1: The Early Years and the Path to the NHL

Wade Redden was born on June 12, 1977, in Lloydminster, Saskatchewan, Canada. This section will provide insight into his early years, his introduction to hockey, and the journey that led him to the National Hockey League.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q1: What were some key moments in Wade Redden's journey from a small town in Saskatchewan to becoming an NHL defenseman, and how did his junior hockey career prepare him for the big leagues?

A1: Wade Redden's journey to the NHL was marked by standout performances in junior hockey, including his time with the Brandon Wheat Kings. These experiences helped shape him into a top-tier defenseman.

Chapter 2: A Rangers' Reunion

Wade Redden joined the New York Rangers in 2008, marking a reunion with his former coach, John Tortorella. This chapter explores his arrival in the Big Apple, the expectations that came with it, and his early contributions to the team.

Chapter 3: The Struggles on Broadway

Redden's time with the Rangers was marked by struggles, as he faced challenges on the ice that affected his performance. This section discusses the difficulties he encountered and how they impacted his relationship with fans and the team.

Chapter 4: The Hartford Interlude

As Wade Redden's struggles continued, he was assigned to the Rangers' AHL affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack. This chapter explores his time in the AHL and the efforts to revitalize his game.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q1: What led to Wade Redden's assignment to the Hartford Wolf Pack, and did his time in the AHL help him regain his form as an NHL defenseman?

A1: Wade Redden's assignment to the Hartford Wolf Pack was a result of his struggles in the NHL. While in the AHL, he worked on improving his game and regained confidence, leading to a return to the NHL.

Chapter 5: The Final Act

Wade Redden's time with the Rangers came to an end in 2010. This section discusses his departure from New York and the subsequent chapters of his NHL career.

Chapter 6: Redden's Legacy

Despite the challenges he faced during his time with the Rangers, Wade Redden's legacy is marked by his determination and the lessons learned from adversity. This chapter explores his lasting influence on the team and his place in Rangers history.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q1: How has Wade Redden's legacy continued to resonate with New York Rangers fans, and what has he been involved in since his playing days ended?

A1: Wade Redden's legacy includes his perseverance in the face of adversity, and he has been involved in various hockey-related endeavors and charitable work since his retirement.



Wade Redden's journey from the prairies of Saskatchewan to the bright lights of Madison Square Garden is a tale of triumph and tribulation. As we reflect on Wade Redden's career and contributions, we must recognize the complexities of his time with the Rangers—a period marked by both struggles and moments of resilience. His legacy serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, athletes can find strength and determination to persevere. Wade Redden's story continues to be a part of Rangers history, with lessons that extend beyond the rink and resonate with fans and the broader hockey community.




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